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Leigh Diffey, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett to make up NBC F1 broadcast team

November 14, 2012

Leigh Diffey, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett will team up to form NBC Sports Networks F1 broadcast team. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Veteran motorsports voices Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), David Hobbs (analyst) and Steve Matchett (analyst) will form the new broadcast team for the NBC Sports Group’s Formula One coverage, which begins in March 2013. Additionally, Diffey will call IZOD IndyCar races on NBC Sports Network, following the retirement of legendary motorsports voice Bob Jenkins earlier this year.

Diffey, Hobbs and Matchett will bring continuity to NBC Sports Group’s Formula One coverage, as all three have worked together for several years on SPEED’s coverage of the circuit. Diffey is a longtime Formula One voice who has called the series both in the U.S. and internationally. Motorsports Hall of Fame member Hobbs is a veteran commentator who draws on 30 years of racing experience, including stints in both F1 and IndyCar. As a former F1 mechanic, Matchett provides viewers with a unique and valuable technical perspective.

“We are privileged to add not one, not two, but three experienced and respected voices to our Formula One coverage,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “Leigh, David and Steve are all gifted storytellers, who live and breathe F1. They will educate viewers with their unique perspectives, which have been formed from longtime careers spent either behind the wheel, in the pits or in the booth.”

In October, it was announced that NBC Sports Group will televise all F1 races, as well as qualifying, practice sessions, studio shows and re-airs that amount to more than 100 hours of programming annually. NBC Sports Live Extra, available online at NBCSports.com, as well as on mobile and tablet apps, will serve as the Formula One live-stream platform.